Abstract: A method for assessing the tenderness of meat from an animal, comprising the step of testing the animal for the presence or absence of a genetic marker selected from the group consisting of: (1) an allele of the gene encoding calpastatin (CAST) associated with peak-force variation or genetic variation located other than in the CAST gene which shows allelic association with the CAST allele; and (2) an allele of the gene encoding lysyl oxidase (LOX) associated with instron compression of the semitendinosis muscle or genetic variation located other than in the LOX gene which shows allelic association with the LOX allele.

Abstract: A new and distinct plum tree variety bearing fruit which are high in antioxidants and anthocyanins that makes it distinct from other Japanese-like plum trees that bear red fleshed fruit. The fruit is characterized by its attractive dark red to black skin colour and its intense blood red flesh colour ripening in mid February in the Granite Belt of southern Queensland, Australia. The trees are precocious with regular high annual fruit production.

Abstract: A new and distinct apple tree variety, Malus domestic cv. “RS103-130” is characterized by a compact medium sized tree with variegated leaf colour yielding red-skinned fruit. The new variety is further characterized as resistant to apple scab (Races l to 5) incited by the fungus Venturia inaequalis.

Abstract: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex, shipping fever, or pneumomic pasteurellosis, is a multifactorial disease whereby a combination of viral infection, adverse environment and poor immune status may combine to predispose animals to bacterial infections. The exotoxin, or leukotoxin (Lkt), may contribute to pathogenesis by impairing the primary lung defenses and subsequent immune responses or by causing inflammations as a result of leukocyte lysis. The present invention provides a modified microorganism which produces an Lkt toxin, wherein said Lkt toxin is partially or fully inactivated. In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a modified microorganism wherein an Lkt toxin operon including an Lkt structural gene and/or a post transational activator of the organism is partially or fully inactivated. The present applicants have found that a precursor of Lkt toxin has reduced toxic activity.

Abstract: A new and distinct short-day strawberry cultivar is provided. Attractive medium-sized generally conical to cordiform sweet and flavorful fruit with firm flesh is formed in good yields. The fruit is glossy bright red on the outside and medium red on the inside. Resistance to Fusarium Wilt is displayed. The fruiting pattern and yield are similar to the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,708) and commonly fruits later than the ‘Sweet Charlie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,729) and ‘Strawberry Festival’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,739) cultivars.

Abstract: A new and distinct short-day strawberry cultivar is provided. Attractive medium-sized generally conical to cordiform and short wedge-shaped fruit is formed in good yields. The fruit flesh is firm, sweet and flavorful. The fruit is glossy bright red on the outside and medium red on the inside. Resistance to Fusarium Wilt is displayed. The fruiting pattern and yield are similar to the ‘Sweet Charlie’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,729) and ‘Strawberry Festival’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,739) cultivars and earlier than the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,708). A highly flavorable fruit Brix/Acid balance is displayed.

Abstract: A new and distinct plum tree variety bearing fruit which are high in antioxidants and anthocyanins that makes it distinct from other Japanese-like plum trees that bear red fleshed fruit. The fruit is characterized by its attractive dark red to black skin color and its intense blood red flesh color ripening in mid February in the Granite Belt of southern Queensland, Australia. The trees are precocious with regular high annual fruit production.

Abstract: A new and distinct apple tree variety, Malus domestica cv. ‘RS103-130’ is characterized by a compact medium sized tree with variegated leaf colour yielding red-skinned. fruit. The new variety is further characterized as resistant to apple scab (Races 1 to 5) incited by the fungus Venturia inaequalis.